Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of waiving visa entrance requirements for Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign, democratic state. We stand with Ukraine.

The UK has responded quickly and made changes to the immigration system, to support those affected by the conflict. The Ukraine Family Scheme has been set up which allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.

From 15 March Ukrainians, who are eligible for the family scheme with passports have been able to apply and get permission to come to the UK, fully online, from wherever they are. They have been, and will continue to be, able to give their biometrics once in the UK.

In addition, the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have a named sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

It would be wrong to make a blanket offer of sanctuary to those who may have committed offences which would be serious crimes in the UK or to those who pose a threat to our national security. Similarly, the checks as part of the visa process provide a vital safeguarding opportunity to protect vulnerable women and children looking to travel to the UK. Therefore we will not be waiving visa requirements.